As students spend their summers traveling to beaches, relaxing by the pool or simply using the convenience of a tanning bed to gain a summer glow, it is important to remember the dangers that may result from these activities.
Sara Lynch, senior in exercise science, is one student who is cautious about her exposure to the sun.
"Melanoma runs in my family," Lynch said. "My mom and grandma both had it."
Lynch said she tries to apply sunscreen every two hours, as recommended by her dermatologist, Dr. Roger Stroud. Stroud advised for people to plan their outdoor activities to avoid the sun's strongest rays, which are typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. He also recommended wearing sunglasses that provide 100 percent UV ray protection and applying sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or greater every two hours.
"I don't go to tanning beds either, because that increases my chances of getting melanoma by at least 30 percent," Lynch said. "I still have fun being in the sun, but I just take precautions."
Although vitamin D is necessary to maintain good health, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, only a small amount of sunlight is needed for our body to produce it.
There are still ways to achieve a tan without the help from the sun, said Lindsey Faerber, senior in nutrition and dietetics who works at Renew Medical Spa in Auburn.
"We are a spa that offers various services such as facials, massages and spray tans as well as many other services," Faerber said.
Renew Medical Spa, located off Moore's Mill Road, is in tune with the effects the sun has on skin and is eager to help people prevent skin cancer.
"At the spa we have a special machine that can spot where skin cancer may start to form, and when people try it, they become very aware of what can happen to their skin," Faerber said. "Almost immediately, they will begin to wean themselves off the tanning beds and take better care of their skin, because no one wants to look 50 years old when you're only 28 or 30 years old."
Students interested in sunless tanning through spray-on tans can receive one at this spa for $30. The spa also offers numerous skin creams, as well as massages, facials and skin exfoliations.
Faerber said after working at the spa, she has become even more cautious about the effects of tanning.
"I have really been cautious about taking care of my skin, and even though I'm young, I really notice a difference," Faerber said. "The silliest things can really damage the skin. Use sunscreen, and be aware of what effects sun exposure can have on you in the future."
Another local spa, Create a Spa, located on North College Street, also offers a $25 airbrush tan. A tan technician applies the tan manually, rather than the usual sunless-tan machine.
According to Create a Spa co-owner and manager Sonya Hildreth, the sunless tans are all natural, containing vitamins A, C, E and K, and last five to 10 days. The spa's airbrush tans are safe for all skin types, as well as pregnant and nursing moms.
Other sunless tanning techniques can be found through at-home body lotions. Skin products like Jergens Natural Glow, Neutrogena Build-a-Tan and Coppertone Sunless Gradual Tanning Lotion can be found at local stores like Walgreens and Wal-Mart for under $10.
Most dermatologists recommend to inspect your skin each month for any changes you may find. Lynch also said sun-lovers should routinely visit a dermatologist for a complete skin examination.
"If you're going to catch skin cancer, you want to catch it early," Lynch said. "You have to protect your body."
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
